Music All Around

Although books are initially a visual experience, they become an auditory encounter as well when read aloud. So what better way to help introduce young readers to the wonders of music than through well crafted picture books on music. The illustrations combined with the sound sensations of the words create a fun and enlightening experience.

Here are some gems to share with your little ones:

M Is for Music by Kathleen Krull. This alphabet book is a great introduction to musical terms and composers.

Ah, Music! by Aliki. Another introductory book, this one combines lovely illustrations with explanations of musical concepts, including pitch, rhythm, tone, as well as information on conductors, instruments and the history of music.

I Know a Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello by Barbara Garriel. A silly story of a young man who swallows a cello, saxophone, fiddle, kazoo, harp, and a bell. When he belches out the instruments, they emerge with their accompanying sounds.

The Jazz Fly by Matthew Gollub. A fly jazzes up animal sounds to create a hit.
Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler. A fun read-aloud that celebrates the sound of jazz.

And one of my grandson and my favorites right now is Baby Danced the Polka by Karen Beaumont. Mom, Dad, and baby can't resist the beat of a polka tune in this colorful picture book. I found a board book edition with fold-outs that make this story interactive for even a one-year-old. And, or course, we (Grammy and Sammy) can't resist dancing the polka as well.